Levison Wood delivers inspiring speech

Bestselling author, explorer and photographer Levison Wood, visited Combat Stress this week to talk to former servicemen and women about his career as an officer in the Parachute Regiment and his transition to becoming an explorer.

While at Audley Court, Levison was taken on a tour to see how we support veterans with mental health conditions.

Levison said: “It’s been great to meet the team and some of the veterans who have benefited from the support of Combat Stress. I hope that hearing about my own experiences, particularly about my transition from the military in to my civilian career, has inspired some of the veterans in their future paths.

“I’ve enjoyed learning about the projects that Combat Stress is involved with and seeing how the process works. It’s a really important charity. Mental health is something I’m particularly interested in and as a veteran myself it’s a cause I’d like to support in the future.

“I think it’s important for veterans to remember they’re not alone and it’s really important to talk. If you’ve got any issues you want to bring up, contact Combat Stress, talk to them about your problems and get the help that you need.”

Sue Freeth, Chief Executive, said:
“We’re so grateful to Levison for visiting Audley Court. His career in the Army means that he has an understanding of the challenges veterans can face.

“Part of the work we do with occupational therapy is to encourage veterans to discover interests and skills that they did not realise they possessed or could put to practical use.

“I’m sure the veterans found it both motivating and inspirational to hear about Levison’s travels and how he has effectively used the skills he learnt in the military.”